Welcome to The Write Connections
 
This section is inspired by the welcoming nature of our nonprofit organizations. I hope to encourage your involvement in our community by sharing my personal experiences as I continue to explore the opportunites in our area. The Write Connections provides a first hand account of the benefits of volunteering and participating in our community. Enjoy!
 
-Pam Rondeau
Creative Director
 Volunteering Leads to My First Horse Ride
Bob and Pam
I had been anxiously awaiting my interview with Nancy Paschall, the Executive Director of Dream Catchers at the Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center, for over a week. Their mission and programs have special meaning to me for many reasons. My youngest brother had Down syndrome. I hold a special spot in my heart for people and organizations that help children with physical and mental disabilities. I also love anything to do with animals. I was bouncing off the walls excited when I finally arrived at Dream Catchers.
 

I always wanted to learn how to ride a horse but I never had the opportunity. I’d love to have horses one day but I don’t know the first thing about caring for them. Nancy said that some of their volunteers didn’t know anything about horses when they first started donating their time. They’ve been able to learn about the proper care of the horses while volunteering.

When I told Nancy that I had never ridden a horse, she decided to put me on one. The volunteers were so excited for me; they scurried about, grabbed a riding helmet and prepared a horse. They picked Bob, a Tennessee Walking Horse- and oh my, is he beautiful! Bob used to be a show horse. His owner, Joe London, a professional horse trainer, loans Bob to Dream Catchers for therapeutic riding lessons.

 

Jean Greene, a certified instructor, taught me some basics about posture and how to tell Bob where to go and what to do. Bob definitely knew the drill. While we were walking around the outdoor ring, Jean told me that in order to get Bob to stop, I need to pull back on the reigns and say “whoa” but when Jean said “whoa” in her instructions, Bob stopped. She wasn’t even talking to you Bob! This is why the trainers have to get creative and resort to a count off, 1-2-3, and then I would give the command, “whoa”. This way Bob was following my instructions and not Jean’s- although I’m pretty sure Bob has caught onto the 1-2-3 prompt.

Jean showed me some of the therapeutic techniques which included a number of stretches and movements, all while on the Bob’s back. I must admit that due to my excitement, at some point, unlike Bob, I had a hard time listening. I wasn’t thinking about anything except Bob and how happy I was. The whole world melted away. I even forgot I was working! Sorry Mike, but it’s true! It was a wonderful experience and I will forever be grateful to Dream Catchers, Joe London, and Bob for giving me a long awaited opportunity.

 

Towards the end of my visit, I realized that in my excitement I had left my drink near Bob’s stall. I trotted back to the barn to grab it. When I walked by Bob, he approached his stall window, nodding and neighing at me. What was he saying? Maybe you’re welcome? Most likely, where’s my treat?  I gave him a rub on the nose and a scratch of the ears- although I really wanted to give him a giant hug from on top of his back.  I quickly forgave him for trying to eat my bracelet and told him how thankful I was to have met him. Even if I never ride Bob again, I walked away so happy to know how much he helps other people and I think that makes him happy too.
 
 
Do you have an event or activity?
 
Want to show others what it is like to volunteer?
 
 
Contact
 
Pam Rondeau
 
 
 
 
 
A special thanks to
 
Nancy, Jean, and all the Volunteers
at
 
Dream Catchers at the
Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center